Thermal : Bolt gun vs AR

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have had night vision on my 20p AR last 2 winters. When I picked up a thermal scope this winter I didn't want to switch out encase I had issues with it. So I put it on my TC dimension, because the stock shape and length adjustability will work without extended mounts and I could switch barrels to 22-250 if the 204R wasn't making instant kills. Still running the 204R and 40 gr BIBS. I hold my shots to inside 200, mainly because I still acclimating to standing with a tripod. Everything has been drt. I also have a 223 barrel and a couple cheap 400 rd packs of factory Nosler 40gr BT, but I don't think I would gain anything over the BIB's. I run suppressed, don't like to lose brass in the snow so the bolt is great for singles. One and done, brass in pocket.

 

[alf]

I don't like to lose brass in the snow so the bolt is great for singles. One and done, brass in pocket.

I use the inexpensive velcro shell catchers on all my AR's w/o any issues. No excuse to lose any brass.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I have bc, it works ok at the range, but is prone to misalignment and brass not being caught. I'm not knocking the AR, just haven't put the thermal on it, yet. Sure I will at some point, probably the 20p over my 223. Or the 223 and just not even bother looking for the empties.

 

[varmintshooter]

I called in a triple with a bolt gun and killed 1 with a 204, 1 shot DRT. Went out and got an AR, mounted scope and worked up a load with 55 sgk and went back 2 weeks later. I called in a single, killed it then moved to another farm where I called in a triple. Killed all 3 with 3 shots. So I was able to shot 4 shots and kill 4 coyotes, all DRT with a 223. I am using a bolt gun now, not sure why. I shoot suppressed so neither is really loud. My bolt gun has dbm so it is easy to load and unload quietly, it's a little lighter but I like the grip on the AR better. If we had more coyote here I would probably go back to the AR. I think a gun is a personal choice. When using an AR I use my thermal scanner to find my empties.

 

[shoots100]

Being I live in the prison state of NY, I prefer to use bolt rifles, even before they made using anything AR looking illegal without neutering.
Bolt rifles look so cute and unassuming to the law at 2 Am.
Been using a 243 for a couple of decades and have a 20 practical for use in counties that have caliber restrictions during deer season.
Took three coyote down with the 20 practical using 40gr Vmax, as the thermal on the 243 was at the shop for repair.
Shot's were of varying distances, but nothing over 200 yards and all died with no pass through, which is perfect for the suburban predator control I do.
No matter what rifle platform you choose, you practice with it and animals will die.

 

[Stugots]

Lots of angles here, I'm fortunate to live in a state where I can run and gun either. I have selected an AR platform in .223 with a N-Vision HALO 50 on top. It ha served me extremely well so far!

 

[alf]

I have selected an AR platform in .223 with a N-Vision HALO 50 on top. It ha served me extremely well so far!

That Halo is drool worthy......

 

[joshb]

I just got my first thermal and I’m putting it on an AR. My problem is which one. 223, 7.62x39 or 308. I’m leaning toward the lighter 223. The coyotes are getting too bold and coming in closer to the house.

 

[michaelb]

DLT,
There is a wealth of good information in all of the posts here and I will add my 2 cents.

I live in WV so right away I am limited to .22 caliber or smaller when hunting after dark. If you are not restricted to bore size in the areas you plan to hunt my recomendation to you would be a (dare I say it) 6.5 Creedmore. I dislike the cartridge on many levels but I offer the recomendation because the Ammo is everywhere and not all Hunters are Reloaders.

My Coyote specific rifle is a Bolt Action, tight neck 22 Dasher throated for 85.5 and 90 grain Bergers.

If you are a Reloader, your caliber options are endless. Now back to your original question:
It truly boils down to fast follow up shots when multiples come in. Fast follow shots limit your build to semi auto platforms.

 

[McStocks]

Visitor to our place at 6 AM this morning! Josh, if you're worried about fur, use a .223, but if you want to nail them down and see the fur and stuff fly in your thermal, go a little bigger. Just checked, and they're paying two bucks for a coyotey! This year I put my ATN Thor 4 on a DPMS Gen II with a Mueller barrel in .243. Berger 87 grain VLD Hunting @ 3125 FPS. Be sure you turn your video on so you can watch the action later!
Steve

 

[McStocks]

OK, so how do I upload a video onto here? I've trimmed one down, but it says an "MP4" (video) is not allowed. If I change the extension, it quits being a video. Don't have a 12 year old kid around to help me!

 

[alf]

OK, so how do I upload a video onto here? I've trimmed one down, but it says an "MP4" (video) is not allowed. If I change the extension, it quits being a video. Don't have a 12 year old kid around to help me!

I don't believe you can't direct post them here, you'll need to go through a host first.

I download mine off the thermal to my desktop, then upload them to YouTube, then post them here.